BLG LOGISTICS is enhancing the Neustädter Hafen in Bremen with a new Liebherr LHM 550 mobile harbour crane. The crane significantly increases handling capacity for project and heavy cargo and sustainably improves the terminal’s overall performance. The investment is part of BLG’s strategic commitment to developing a high-performance, future-ready port infrastructure.
The approximately 440-tonne crane was delivered by sea from Liebherr’s production site in Rostock. After being transferred from the transport vessel onto a pontoon, the LHM 550 was driven ashore on its own axles during high tide. This will be followed by final technical assembly, functional tests, and approvals. The crane is expected to enter full operational service about 14 days after arrival.
With a maximum lifting capacity of 154 tonnes, the LHM 550 meets a wide range of demanding handling requirements. Its long outreach enables efficient loading and unloading of modern heavy-lift vessels. The crane’s mobility—thanks to ten powered axles—allows flexible operation across various terminal areas. In addition, its capability to operate on shore power contributes to more environmentally friendly port logistics.
The new mobile harbour crane is intended as a permanent and long-term addition to BLG’s crane fleet, supporting the growing demands of project and heavy cargo handling at the Bremen site. It has been named “FRANK” in honour of long-standing CEO Frank Dreeke, who played a key role in shaping BLG’s development over many years.
With the expansion of the existing crane fleet, Neustädter Hafen can now perform twin operations with significantly higher capacity: while two cranes could previously work in tandem, the limit was 220 tonnes. Together, the cranes can now lift loads of up to 280 tonnes, enabling handling capabilities that were previously out of reach. “The new mobile harbour crane allows us to make our processes noticeably more efficient. The ability to move heavier loads with a larger outreach, in combination with our existing crane, opens up new operational options—especially in the rapidly growing wind energy sector”, says Thorben Kolk, Managing Director of BLG Cargo Logistics.
A strong location for wind energy and international project cargo
Neustädter Hafen offers ideal conditions for handling complete wind turbine systems and currently provides more than 100,000 square metres of storage space, with significant expansion potential if required. As a seagoing-vessel-accessible port far inland, the location combines extensive logistics areas with direct water access—an essential advantage for wind energy, infrastructure, and industrial cargo that depend on efficient transport between the hinterland and international markets.
The energy transition is driving increasing demand for assembly, packaging, and distribution space. With its waterfront access, available areas, and high-performance handling infrastructure, Neustädter Hafen is ideally positioned to meet these needs. The new LHM 550 further increases capacity, particularly for larger and heavier components, and significantly boosts the terminal’s operational flexibility. Moreover, the crane’s successful landing demonstrates the site’s adaptability: even exceptional cargoes well above 280 tonnes can be handled safely and efficiently with effective, practical solutions.
